Fishing in Cedar Falls, Iowa

Hi all,

I just moved up to Cedar Falls Iowa to attend UNI. I love to fish around the Iowa City area but I know nothing about the fishing scene in Blackhawk County. I am not targeting a specific fish, I am just searching for hot fishing spots around the area. I will fish for anything including walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth/smallmouth bass, channel cats and northern. I do not have a boat so I will be fishing from the shore. If anyone can give me insight as to where to try my luck within about a 60 mile radius of Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Iowa that would be awesome. Thanks!

Tom,

I grew up in Cedar Falls and know the area well. I would focus my efforts strictly on the river fishing from shore. Tons of fish in the Cedar/Shell Rock and easy to get to. Use Google Earth/Google Maps as a tool to help locate areas of interest. Stop into Hank’s Bait and Tackle in Waterloo (talk to Mike) and he will put you on fish with the right equipment.

I miss the Cedar River/Shell Rock River. I am in Des Moines now and fishing isn’t near as good… Take advantage of it!

There is good fishing and good public access below the dam in CF. An investment in a set of waders will greatly improve the water you can reach and the holes you can fish. Just be careful, I’d recommend using a wading staff. Once you get used to having one, you won’t want to wade without it. Personally I use an old cross country ski pole, works great and it was cheap.

Thanks Joel and Dave, I will be sure to stop by Hanks and ask around. Will probably try my luck on the Cedar today.

Tom